and the largest tomato grower in Florida, put it plainly:

“We have to secure our borders south and north, but you have to have a workforce in this country… There’s no doubt that mass deportations is going to restrict and put pressure on farming and many other industries that rely on the immigrant workforce.”

Because of your support and advocacy, ABIC is strengthening its ability to make an impact in this challenging and rapidly changing environment.

Direct Support for Employers:

Meeting the demand for clarity on immigration policy changes and implications for the workforce, ABIC has mounted nearly a dozen events since November providing updates, practical legal guidance, and connecting members to community resources for their employees. �� Over 1800 employers, new to the ABIC network, have joined these Employers’ Rights and Responsibilities Webinar events and have already shared with us that the guidance we are giving them is needed.����

Councils of 100

As we push to build and broaden the Coalition base in the coming weeks, we are proud to announce the formation of various Councils of 100 to organize and empower a nationwide coalition of top business leaders representing key industries of Agriculture, Hospitality, Healthcare, Construction, and Manufacturing sectors. These Councils will provide a unified platform for business leaders to address workforce challenges, advocate for policy solutions, and drive economic growth in their respective industries, critical to the nation’s stability.

Just last Friday, ahead of Inauguration Day, we launched the Comité de 100 in Washington DC convening prominent Latino and Mexican 91̽�� business leaders and their voices are already being heard in major news outlets across the country, including this USA Today op-ed by the Comité’s co-chairs, in addition to attention by the Wall Street Journal, Univision, and Telemundo.����

By joining these Councils, business leaders can engage in high-impact advocacy, receive vital updates, and collaborate with like-minded peers to shape a stronger, more competitive future for their industries and the 91̽�� economy.

Looking ahead, ABIC will culminate its basebuilding and mobilization efforts with a Fly-In Event on March 24 to unite business leaders and grassroots advocates in Washington D.C. to meet with policymakers and push for sensible immigration reform. �� We’re actively seeking sponsors and supporters to amplify the impact of this event.

Join us in shaping the future: , sponsor the March Fly-In, attend an event, , or share ABIC’s work with your network to spread the word about our mission and impact. Contact us to learn more.����

Your partnership ensures we can continue delivering critical resources and support to employers and communities nationwide. Thank you for standing with us to empower employers, protect immigrant workers, and advocate for common-sense solutions.

Selection of ABIC Mentions in the News:��

WBEZ (NPR): (1/28/25)

KRLD-AM (Dallas, TX): (1/28/25)

Axios: (1/27/25)

NewsNation: (1/21/25) – video ft. Rebecca Shi

CNN: (1/21/25)

Newsweek: (1/21/25)

Bloomberg: (1/21/25)

CNN 91̽��: (1/20/25)

Telemundo Washington D.C.: (1/17/25) – video

USA Today: (1/17/25)

Bloomberg: (1/17/2025)

The post ABIC’s Impact: Building the Base and Amplifying our Message appeared first on 91̽��.

• Countries with more immigrants��tend to experience��faster GDP growth:
  • In the��U.S., immigrants contributed��$579 billion��in taxes in 2022 (federal, state, and local taxes) (source: 91̽�� Immigration Council).
  • UK��government projections: A��350,000 increase in net migration��will reduce borrowing by around��£7.4 billion��($9.1 billion) by 2028 (source: UK Government Office for Budget Responsibility).

2. Immigrants Do Not Displace Native Workers

• Studies show��that immigration doesn’t lower employment for local workers. Instead, it contributes to a��growing economy:
  • In the U.S., foreign-born workers make up��17% of the workforce, but contribute��25% of GDP growth��(source: National Academy of Sciences).
  • Immigrants often fill jobs��native workers are unwilling to take: Studies show that��lower-skilled immigrants��typically take jobs that involve night shifts, long hours, or physical labor that many local workers avoid.

3. Immigration Has Little to No Impact on Wages

• Immigration has a neutral effect on wages for native workers:
  • Research by��George Borjas��(Harvard economist) found that immigration’s impact on local wages tends to��cluster around zero, meaning it neither drives wages down nor up significantly in most cases (source: George Borjas, Harvard University).
  • In a��2021 study, the��Economic Policy Institute��found that the wage impact on native-born workers due to immigration was��small or negligible, especially for high-skilled workers.

4. Immigrants Actually Raise Wages for Some Groups

• Immigrants boost wages for non-college-educated workers:
  • In the U.S., immigration has��increased the wages��of non-college-educated workers over the past 20 years (source: National Academy of Sciences).
  • For example,��immigrants’ role in child care and elder care��has helped local workers increase their��participation in the labor force.��Affordable child care��made possible by immigrant workers has allowed more women to join the workforce.

5. Immigrant Entrepreneurs Drive Job Growth

• Immigrants start businesses at higher rates:
  • Immigrants are��80% more likely��to start a business than native-born citizens (source: National Bureau of Economic Research).
  • In the U.S.,��half of all venture capital-backed companies��������Silicon Valley��have at least one��immigrant founder��(source: Partnership for a New 91̽�� Economy).
  • Immigrants founded 55% of all U.S. “unicorn” companies��(startups valued at $1 billion or more) (source: National Venture Capital Association).

6. Myth of “Immigrants Taking Jobs”

• Immigrants do not take jobs from native-born workers:
  • Unemployment among Black 91̽��s��remains at historic lows, even with rising immigration. For example,��Black unemployment���󾱳���a record low of 5.4%��in 2022 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
  • Studies show that immigrants contribute to job creation rather than job loss. For instance, in��California, which has one of the highest immigrant populations, the unemployment rate is��lower than the national average.

Key Takeaway:

• Immigrants help grow the economy,��increase job opportunities, and have��little to no negative impact on wages��for native workers.
• Anti-immigrant claims about job theft and wage reduction are��not supported by data.
• In 2022, immigrants contributed��$1.6 trillion��to U.S. consumption of goods and services (source: National Academy of Sciences), highlighting their significant economic role.

The post FACTS: Immigrants Aren’t Stealing Your Jobs or Lowering Wages appeared first on 91̽��.

The economic reality is clear. Our Board Member John Graham, CEO of Sunbelt Holdings and a dedicated voice for common-sense immigration reform, recently appeared on���䱷����’s��Squawk Box��to discuss how immigrants are essential to industries that power our nation’s economy.

Farmers across the country, like Shay Myers—a third-generation potato and onion grower—know firsthand how important immigrant workers are to sustaining 91̽�� agriculture.

Immigrants are filling roles that keep essential industries running, helping businesses thrive and creating 91̽�� jobs.��

This is a critical moment to support common-sense solutions that address real needs and keep families together. A stable workforce allows U.S. businesses to remain competitive�� and lower prices for everyday 91̽��s.��

Together, we can build an immigration system that keeps America strong and fair.

The post Stand with ABIC for Common-Sense Immigration Reform appeared first on 91̽��.

Watch live @ ��

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, April 16 at 4:00 p.m. EST, leaders from 91̽�� Families United from across the country, 91̽��, FWD.us and UNITE HERE Local 1 will join Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin and Senator Alex Padilla for a briefing about the enormous contributions that long-term undocumented immigrants make to our communities and economy. New analysis from FWD.us will outline how expanding access to work permits would only increase this financial impact.��

WHO:

• U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL)
• U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA)
• Ashley DeAzevedo, President, 91̽�� Families United (New Jersey), and U.S. citizen spouses of long-term immigrants from Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin
• Rebecca Shi, Executive Director, 91̽��
• Dr. Phillip Connor, Senior Demographer, FWD.us
• Karen Kent, President, UNITE HERE Local 1, Illinois
• Roushaunda Williams, Member and Leader, UNITE HERE Local 1; Executive Committee, Illinois AFL-CIO
• Sam Sanchez, Chairman and CEO, Third Coast Hospitality; Board Member, National Restaurant Association; Board Chair (Retired), Illinois Restaurant Association��
• Matt Teagarden, CEO,�� Kansas Livestock Association
• Irayda Flores, Owner, El Mar de Cortez Corporation, Arizona
• Lisa Winton, CEO, Winton Machine, Georgia
• Manolo Betancur, Owner, Manolo’s Bakery, North Carolina

WHAT: Protecting 91̽�� Families: Economic Briefing on Tax Contributions of Immigrant Spouses of US Citizens��

WHERE: SVC 208 – Capitol Visitor Center (Senate side)

WHEN: Tuesday, April 16 at 4:00 p.m. EST

Senators Durbin, Rosen, Warnock, Fetterman and fifteen other senators to President Biden asking him to “protect and unify 91̽�� families” and “provide much needed relief for undocumented immigrants and the 91̽�� businesses, families, and communities that rely upon them.” Chicago Mayor ; Iris Ramos Jones, Director of the Nevada Office for New 91̽��s ( by Gov. Lombardo); more than ; and representing U.S business, labor, local government, faith, civil rights, and family voices have been calling for this commonsense policy change for years.

On April 5, DHS Secretary Mayorkas the call to action. The proposal is legally , politically and requires only to the existing USCIS policy manual to expand work permits to nuclear relatives of U.S. citizens.����

Additionally, the U.S. economy needs immigrants. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are in the U.S. Even if every person looking for work today is employed, there would still be 3 million vacancies. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office attributes a increase to the national GDP to immigration. While mixed-status families already contribute billions in federal, state, and local taxes, a FWD.US estimate finds that permitting undocumented spouses to work legally would by $5 billion.��

###

91̽�� (ABIC) is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,200+ CEOs, business owners, and trade associations across 17 mostly red and purple states. ABIC promotes common sense immigration reform that advances economic competitiveness, provides companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and allows the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs and citizens.

The post Capitol Hill Economic Briefing: Whip Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Padilla (D-CA), U.S. Citizens, 91̽�� and Labor Leaders on Tax Contributions of Immigrant Spouses of U.S. Citizens appeared first on 91̽��.

• , representing the 4th largest immigrant population in the country.
• , making up a vital part of the state’s labor force in a range of industries, from agriculture and hospitality to manufacturing and healthcare.
• ,��with a spending power of almost $108 billion.
• paying over $30 billion in federal, state and local taxes each year.

The post Representative Susan Valdés, ABIC Action, Mi Familia Vota, LULAC Florida and Community Leaders Discussed Negative Impacts of SB1718 on Tampa and the Rest of Florida – Urge President Biden to Expand Work Authorization appeared first on 91̽��.

�� ���� ��

�������������� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� ��

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2022

CONTACT:��
Ben Roussel, 202-210-3112,��broussel@americanbic.biz
Jose Magaña-Salgado, 480-678-0040,��jose@presidentsalliance.org
Michael Earls, 202.494.8555,��michael@npagency.com
José Muñoz, 612-308-2805,��jose@unitedwedream.org
Flavia Negrete, 240-552-0003,��flavianegrete@gmail.com
Juan Gastelum, 213-375-3149,��media@nilc.org
Jorge Mario Cabrera, 562-243-5559,����jmcabrera@chirla.org

VIEW FULL PRESS CONFERENCE RECORDING��

Dreamers, National 91̽�� and Education Leaders, Immigrant Advocates Mark 10th Anniversary of DACA

Leaders call on Congress to legislate pathway to citizenship for all Dreamers, with or without DACA

WASHINGTON – Today, #WithDACA—a coalition of the 91̽�� (ABIC), Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), TheDream.US, FWD.us, National Immigration Law Center (NILC), Pre-Health Dreamers, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and United We Dream—marked the 10th Anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and demanded that Congress pass a path to citizenship for America’s Dreamers, those who came to the U.S. as children, whether or not they qualify for DACA.

Event emcee ABIC executive director��Rebecca Shi��was joined by several Members of Congress who spoke at the event, including U.S. Senators��Dick Durbin��(D-IL),��Bob Menendez��(D-NJ),��Alex Padilla��(D-CA),����Catherine Cortez-Masto��(D-NV) and U.S. Representatives��Maria Elvira Salazar��(R-FL),��Dan Newhouse��(R-WA), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman��Raul Ruiz��(D-CA). Others, including Rep.��Mike Simpson��(R-ID), offered statements.

“We know there are two open jobs for every 91̽��,” said��Shi. “If our Members of Congress are serious about easing labor shortage, inflation and the high food and gas prices hammering every 91̽�� family, then we need to get serious about immigration solutions like the Dream Act. We have over 100 Senators and Representatives to visit today with this message: If you’re serious about inflation and not just giving us theater, then you need to pass immigration reform this year.”

“More than 800,000 Dreamers have [since DACA’s implementation] been allowed to become full participants” in America “as teachers, doctors, nurses and engineers,“ said��Sen. Durbin. “They pay an estimated $5.7 billion in federal taxes.” Now, he said, “we must pass immigration reform to secure the future of DACA recipients and more. An overwhelming bipartisan majority [of 91̽��s] want Congress to do something.”

“I was six years old when my parents, who were doctors in Mexico, left everything behind to give us a safer and better future. Having DACA meant that I could work, drive and go to college without fear of deportation. But there were still many obstacles,” said Dreamer and TheDream.US alumna��Indira Islas. “This country is at risk of losing the talent and skills it needs now more than ever. It is time to pass permanent bipartisan legislation so we can fully participate in the country we call home.”

“At Microsoft, we have 88 colleagues who are Dreamers. Despite that uncertainty, they get up every day and give us the best of their talent and skills as software engineers, accountants and lawyers, said��Portia Wu, Managing Director, Public Policy, US Government Affairs, Microsoft. “Dreamers want and need certainty, and America’s businesses want and need certainty for Dreamers. We urge Congress to pass a bipartisan legislative solution to provide permanent protection for our nation’s Dreamers.”

“The only country they’ve ever called home is the United States of America, and the only flag they pledge allegiance to is the U.S. flag,” said��Sen. Menendez. “We’re calling on the Biden administration to use its executive authority to protect as many undocumented immigrants as possible–to expand DACA eligibility, to defend that position in court, and to shield DACA recipients from deportation in the event that the courts rule the wrong way and these recipients lose their [legal] status.”

“I represent a district in South Florida that is probably the ultimate melting pot in the U.S. I believe Dreamers are 91̽��s—there’s no other way to put it. They go to school, pay taxes and serve in the military,” said��Rep. Salazar. “There are 5,100 Dreamers in my district who contribute more than $1 million each year to our economy. They make my city and our country better.”

“Dreamers have graduated high school many times as valedictorians, gone on to college and grad school and become teachers, nurses, doctors and frontline workers in so many sectors that were critical during the pandemic,” said��Sen. Padilla. “They put their health on the line for this nation and deserve better than to live in fear and uncertainty.”

“Congress has used DACA as a band-aid instead of delivering lasting protections for over 800,000 of us who are stuck in a state of legal limbo and millions more in our communities who never qualified for DACA protections in the first place,” said United We Dream Executive Director��Greisa Maritnez Rosas. “The stakes continue to be high. The forces working against us are not shy about what they want: to end DACA and put all immigrants on a path towards deportation.�� Immigrant youth and our families will continue to fight unapologetically. We needelected leaders to do their job and pass permanent legislation now.”

Additional statements:

Rep Newhouse:��“For more than 10 years, Dreamers have been kept in legal limbo. I don’t think they should be used as pawns in a political game… Congress can no longer continue to kick the can down the road. We have to have a permanent solution signed into law that includes border protection. But no longer can these young people be held hostage. Let’s get this legislation passed.”

Rep. Ruiz:��“DACA has been a rocket booster for our economy and for Dreamers. In my district, they contribute $300 million to the GDP. They are our doctors, nurses, essential workers, engineers, business owners and job creators…Enough is enough! Hardworking immigrants doing essential jobs on the front lines of the [COVID] pandemic should not live in fear of deportation.”

Sen. Cortez-Masto:��“I am from Nevada and proud that a third of my population are Latinos, Dreamers who are essential workers and farm workers. They belong here. They contribute to our economy. It is incumbent on the rest of the community to support them. 91̽��es need to be here supporting all of you. Many Dreamers are now adults and deserve the right to be on a pathway [to citizenship]. How much more do they have to prove? Now is the time to make this happen.”

Rep. Mike Simpson:��“As we all know, Dreamers find themselves in a precarious legal situation through no fault of their own.�� Congress needs to find a compassionate and realistic solution to the unpredictability offered by the courts and pass legislation that will resolve Dreamers’ status once and for all, while also making other necessary reforms to our nation’s broken immigration system.”

Kim Wilcox, Chancellor, University of California-Riverside, member, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration:��“DACA recipients are vital members of our society. They are our students, colleagues, and neighbors. Through their work and study, they help lay the foundation of better communities. And they deserve certainty and permanent status.”

Irma Becerra, President, Marymount University, member, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration:��“DACA has been a lifeline for tens of thousands of Dreamers across the country, but it’s under constant threat and [is used as a] political football from administration to administration—while the lives of so many young people hang in the balance. These young people are 91̽�� in every way and are making our nation stronger, boosting our economy by contributing their skills and talents in fields like nursing, business, IT and criminal justice. However, they face great difficulty in putting themselves through college because they can’t receive federal financial aid. We cannot afford to turn our backs on our Dreamers who give America their best.”

Background

DACA’s success has unleashed the economic potential of almost 800,000 people, allowing them to contribute to our economy, start families, buy homes, access healthcare, build businesses, and bring their talents to the industry sectors where they’re most needed. Three-quarters of DACA participants in the workforce – 343,000 people – are essential workers. 34,000 provide healthcare services and 11,000 work tirelessly keeping our hospital and clinic facilities up and running. As our nation faces a teacher shortage, there are 20,000 educators who are DACA recipients working with kids in classrooms across the country. About 100,000 DACA recipients work in the nation’s food supply chain, roles that are more important than they have ever been.

But, for too long, DACA participants have been vulnerable to government indecision, sowing anxiety, instability and legal limbo in their lives. And DACA’s strict timeframes omit thousands of individuals who need it. More than 427,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in post-secondary institutions, and of these, less than half (181,000) are DACA-elligible. Similarly every year, nearly 100,000 undocumented students graduated U.S. high schools, but only one-quarter are DACA-eligible.

DACA has been a transformative program for both its recipients and the country, demonstrating why expanding opportunities for immigrants is good for all of America – but it’s not enough. Now is the time to build on the successes of DACA and bring forward a bi-partisan legislation that provides a path to citizenship to all Dreamers, those with or without DACA. The future of our country depends on it.

ABOUT

��(ABIC) is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,200+ CEOs, business owners, and trade associations across 16 mostly red and purple states. ABIC Action promotes common sense immigration reform that advances economic competitiveness, provides companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and allows the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs, and citizens.

��(CHIRLA) was founded in 1986 to advance the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees.�� CHIRLA is the largest immigrant rights organization in California and a strong proponent of humane, sensible, and regional policies that respect the value and dignity of migrants and immigrants.�� CHIRLA relies on the love and vision of our community to organize and build power among people, institutions, and organizations to change public opinion and craft progressive policies that promote human, civil and labor rights for everyone.

��is a bipartisan political organization that believes America’s families, communities, and economy thrive when more individuals are able to achieve their full potential. For too long, our broken immigration and criminal justice systems have locked too many people out of the 91̽�� dream. Founded by leaders in the technology and business communities, we seek to grow and galvanize political support to break through partisan gridlock and achieve meaningful reforms. Together, we can move America forward.

��(NILC) Founded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center is the leading advocacy organization in the United States exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones. NILC’s mission is grounded in the belief that everyone living in the U.S. — regardless of race, gender/gender identity, immigration, and economic status — should have equal access to justice, resources, and educational and economic opportunities that enable them to achieve their full human potential.

��Pre-Health Dreamers provides resources to undocumented students pursuing in health-related programs, including nursing, medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and research. Over 2,700 students have received professional training, and 240 students have received individualized career guidance. Over 300 of our participants have graduated or are in their first year as medical doctors or health professionals. As a result of our partnership and discussions with the AAMC, more than fifty medical schools now accept DACA recipients. We have established partnerships with NILC, the President’s Alliance, and other organizations, which aid in guiding our advocacy efforts by analyzing policies that assist undocumented students pursuing health-related careers and comparing them to health-related program guidelines.

The nonpartisan, nonprofit����brings college and university presidents and chancellors together on the immigration issues that impact higher education, our students, campuses, communities and nation. We work to advance just, forward-looking immigration policies and practices at the federal, state, and campus levels that are consistent with our heritage as a nation of immigrants and the academic values of equity and openness. The Alliance is composed of over 500 presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities, enrolling over five million students in 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

��is the nation’s largest college and career success program for immigrant youth, having provided more than 8,750 college scholarships to undocumented students attending 70+ partner colleges in 19 states and Washington, DC.

��is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation, a powerful network made up of over 800,000 members, over 100 local groups and a reach of over 5 million per month. UWD’s vision is to build a multi-racial, multi-ethnic movement of young people who organize and advocate at the local and national levels for the dignity and justice of immigrants and communities of color in the United States.

The post Dreamers, National 91̽�� and Education Leaders, Immigrant Advocates Mark 10th Anniversary of DACA appeared first on 91̽��.

�� �� ��

�� �� �� ���� �� �� �� ��

MEDIA ADVISORY: June 9, 2022

CONTACT:��
Ben Roussel, 202-210-3112,��broussel@americanbic.biz
Jose Magaña-Salgado, 480-678-0040, jose@presidentsalliance.org
Michael Earls, 202.494.8555,��michael@npagency.com
José Muñoz, 612-308-2805,��jose@unitedwedream.org
Flavia Negrete, 240-552-0003,��flavianegrete@gmail.com
Juan Gastelum, 213-375-3149,��media@nilc.org
Jorge Mario Cabrera, 562-243-5559,����jmcabrera@chirla.org

Dreamers, National 91̽�� and Education Leaders, Immigrant Advocates to Host Press Conference Marking DACA’s 10th Anniversary

Leaders to Call on Congress to Legislate Pathway to Citizenship for Undocumented Youth

WASHINGTON – This Wednesday, June 15, #WithDACA – a coalition comprised of the 91̽�� (ABIC), Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), TheDream.US, FWD.us, National Immigration Law Center (NILC), Pre-Health Dreamers, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and United We Dream – will host a press conference in the Senate Swamp on Capitol Hill to mark the 10th Anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and to call on Congress to pass a comprehensive Dream legislation immediately.

The press conference comes just weeks before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is slated to hear oral arguments in a case that will determine DACA’s future viability, and is part of a larger fly-in of Dreamers, educators and business leaders who will be meeting with their Members of Congress.

WHAT: #WithDACA 10th Anniversary Press Conference

WHO:

• Rebecca Shi, Executive Director, 91̽�� (emcee)

• Zuleyma Barajas, DACA holder, member, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)

• Kim Wilcox, Chancellor, University of California-Riverside, member, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration

• U.S. Senator Alex Padilla��(D-CA)

• Greisa Martinez, Executive Director, United We Dream

• U.S. Senator Dick Durbin��(D-IL)

• Raj Echambadi, President, Illinois Institute of Technology, member, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration

• Irma Becerra, President, Marymount University, member, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration

• U.S. Rep. Maria Salazar��(R-FL)

• Diana Pliego, Dreamer & NILC Policy Associate

• U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz��(D-CA), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman

• Indira Islas, Dreamer & TheDream.US alumnus

WHEN:�� �� �� ��Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 9:00 a.m. ET

WHERE:�� �� ��U.S. Capitol Senate Swamp, located on the Capitol Lawn in front of the Senate Gallery

VISUAL:�� �� ��U.S. Capitol will serve as visual for this event

Background
DACA’s success has unleashed the economic potential of almost 800,000 people, allowing them to contribute to our economy, start families, buy homes, access healthcare, build businesses, and bring their talents to the industry sectors where they’re most needed. Three-quarters of DACA participants in the workforce – 343,000 people – are essential workers. 34,000 provide healthcare services and 11,000 work tirelessly keeping�� our hospital and clinic facilities up and running. As our nation faces a teacher shortage, there are 20,000 educators who are DACA recipients working with kids in classrooms across the country. About 100,000 DACA recipients work in the nation’s food supply chain, roles that are more important than they have ever been.

But, for too long, DACA participants have been vulnerable to government indecision, sowing anxiety, instability and legal limbo in their lives. And DACA’s strict timeframes omit thousands of individuals�� who need it. More than 427,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in postsecondary institutions, and of these, less than half (181,000) are DACA-eligible. Similarly every year, nearly 100,000 undocumented students graduated U.S. high schools, but only one-quarter are DACA-eligible.

DACA has been a transformative program for both its recipients and the country, demonstrating why expanding opportunities for immigrants is good for all of America – but it’s not enough. Now is the time to build on the successes of DACA and bring forward a bi-partisan legislation that provides a path to citizenship to all undocumented Dreamers, those with or without DACA. The future of our country depends on it.

ABOUT

��(ABIC)��is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,200+ CEOs, business owners, and trade associations across 16 mostly red and purple states. ABIC Action promotes common sense immigration reform that advances economic competitiveness, provides companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and allows the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs, and citizens.

��(CHIRLA)��was founded in 1986 to advance the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees.�� CHIRLA is the largest immigrant rights organization in California and a strong proponent of humane, sensible, and regional policies that respect the value and dignity of migrants and immigrants.�� CHIRLA relies on the love and vision of our community to organize and build power among people, institutions, and organizations to change public opinion and craft progressive policies that promote human, civil and labor rights for everyone.

��is a bipartisan political organization that believes America’s families, communities, and economy thrive when more individuals are able to achieve their full potential. For too long, our broken immigration and criminal justice systems have locked too many people out of the 91̽�� dream. Founded by leaders in the technology and business communities, we seek to grow and galvanize political support to break through partisan gridlock and achieve meaningful reforms. Together, we can move America forward.

��(NILC)��Founded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center is the leading advocacy organization in the United States exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones. NILC’s mission is grounded in the belief that everyone living in the U.S. — regardless of race, gender/gender identity, immigration, and economic status — should have equal access to justice, resources, and educational and economic opportunities that enable them to achieve their full human potential.

��provides resources to undocumented students pursuing in health-related programs, including nursing, medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and research. Over 2,700 students have received professional training, and 240 students have received individualized career guidance. Over 300 of our participants have graduated or are in their first year as medical doctors or health professionals. As a result of our partnership and discussions with the AAMC, more than fifty medical schools now accept DACA recipients. We have established partnerships with NILC, the President’s Alliance, and other organizations, which aid in guiding our advocacy efforts by analyzing policies that assist undocumented students pursuing health-related careers and comparing them to health-related program guidelines.

The nonpartisan, nonprofit����brings college and university presidents and chancellors together on the immigration issues that impact higher education, our students, campuses, communities and nation. We work to advance just, forward-looking immigration policies and practices at the federal, state, and campus levels that are consistent with our heritage as a nation of immigrants and the academic values of equity and openness. The Alliance is composed of over 500 presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities, enrolling over five million students in 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

��is the nation’s largest college and career success program for immigrant youth, having provided more than 8,750 college scholarships to undocumented students attending 70+ partner colleges in 19 states and Washington, DC.

��is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation, a powerful network made up of over 800,000 members, over 100 local groups and a reach of over 5 million per month. UWD’s vision is to build a multi-racial, multi-ethnic movement of young people who organize and advocate at the local and national levels for the dignity and justice of immigrants and communities of color in the United States.

The post Dreamers, National 91̽�� and Education Leaders, Immigrant Advocates to Host Press Conference Marking DACA’s 10th Anniversary appeared first on 91̽��.

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PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW – THURS. FEB 10 – 1:30 pm ET
LOCATION: Archdiocese of Miami Pastoral Center
9401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami Shores, FL 33138
Watch Livestream here:

MIAMI ARCHBISHOP THOMAS WENSKI AND FL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TELL FL GOV. DeSANTIS:

‘CHILDREN, YES!; POLITICS, NO!’

Waging war on immigrants hurts kids and the economy

MIAMI – This Thursday, The 91̽�� (ABIC), its Florida chapter IMPAC Fund, the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), and the Venezuelan 91̽�� Alliance will convene a press conference with Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski and business and community leaders who were Pedro Pan Airlift participants – to urge Gov. Ron DeSantis and state legislative leaders to stop advancing anti-immigrant policies that hurt children and Florida’s economy.

Pedro Pan Airlift participants will include Tony Argiz, Chairman & CEO, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLP; Elena Muller Garcia, retired staff of Catholic Charities of the diocese of Palm Beach; and Felice Gorordo, son of Pedro Pan participants, IMPAC Fund Board Member and CEO of eMerge Americas.

The press conference will call attention to the true immigration crisis DeSantis seeks to create with his recent anti-immigrant executive order and pending state legislation that would target, among others, undocumented children and damage Florida businesses in the process.

WHAT: �� Archbishop Wenski will join IMPAC Fund/ABIC, Venezuelan 91̽�� Alliance (VAA) and Community Press Conference – Children Yes, Politics No!

WHO:

• The Most Reverend Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami��

• Mike Fernandez, Chairman, MBF Healthcare Partners; Founder, IMPAC Fund; Co-Chair, 91̽��

• • Tony Argiz, Pedro Pan participant; Board Member, IMPAC Fund; Chairman & CEO, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLP
  • Elena Muller Garcia, Pedro Pan participant; retired staff of Catholic Charities of the diocese of Palm Beach
  • Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Miami

• Maria Antonietta Diaz, Founder and President, Venezuelan 91̽�� Alliance
• Tessa Petit, Co-Executive Director, Florida Immigration Rights Coalition��
• Felice Gorordo, son of Pedro Pan participants; Board Member, IMPAC Fund; CEO, eMerge Americas
• Fr. Reginald Jean-Mary, Pastor, Notre Dame d’Haiti Catholic Church
• Moderator – Maria Corina Vegas, Coordinator, IMPAC Fund/ABIC

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 10, 1:30 pm ET

WHERE: Archdiocese of Miami Pastoral Center, 9401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami Shores, FL 33138

Watch Livestream here:

Background:

In 2021, Gov. DeSantis passed executive order 2021-223 which effectively cuts off state funding to any agencies, including Catholic Charities, that provide services to unaccompanied undocumented immigrant children. While this action’s constitutionality is currently being considered under appeal by the 13th Circuit, Florida state leadership is following up with SB1808 and HB1355, bills which would ban state or local government contracts with firms that provide transportation to unaccompanied undocumented immigrants. You can read more here.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is once again stoking the anti-immigrant fiery rhetoric with his executive order banning licenses to federally funded shelters that house unaccompanied immigrant children. That policy would be compounded by proposed state legislative provisions aimed at keeping undocumented immigrants, including unaccompanied children, from reuniting with Florida families, by banning state and local government contracts with transportation carriers that service undocumented immigrants. These policies hurt Florida businesses and citizens facing extreme labor shortage and rising prices.��

Last week, following Archbishop Wenski’s appeal “,” ABIC delivered a letter to DeSantis and FL State House and Senate leadership signed by nearly 50 business leaders and several survivors of the Pedro Pan Airlift calling on DeSantis to end his latest anti-immigrant campaign.��

ABOUT

The (ABIC) promotes common sense immigration reform that advances economic competitiveness, provides companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and allows the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs, and citizens.

, Florida chapter of the 91̽��, represents a growing and diverse set of businesses and business associations promoting common sense immigration solutions that benefit the people and economy of Florida.

The is a statewide alliance of over 60 member organizations, including farmworkers, students, service providers, grassroots organizations and legal advocates, who come together for the fair treatment of all people

The creates awareness of the social, political and economic situation in Venezuela among the United States government and population; advocates for legislation, regulation and programs to support and promote freedom, democracy and human rights for its population and diaspora; and helps regain the road to prosperity.

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The post Media Advisory: Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski and FL 91̽�� and Community Leaders tell FL Gov. DeSantis: ‘Children, Yes!; Politics, No!’ appeared first on 91̽��.